The improvements made to the Dolphins defense this offseason were all catered towards sprucing up the exterior because the front line and back-end were improved, but that still leaves a soft, gushy interior.

This entry continues with our look at the roster improvements made this offseason, comparing it to the unit that took the field in last year’s season-finale against Cincinnati.

For those who wonder why I decided to compare the 2008 on-paper squad to the Dolphins team that lined up in the season-finale, it’s because that’s the group that ultimately went 1-15, and that horrible record, and dismal injury-depleted roster is the benchmark of the team Bill Parcells and his crew inherited.

There’s no place to go but up from there, right?

Defensive Ends

2007: Matt Roth, Vonnie Holliday

2008: Matt Roth, Vonnie Holliday

Analysis: While the projected starters haven’t changed, the depth in this unit has been enhanced by the addition of free agent Randy Starks, and draftees Phillip Merling and Kendall Langford. That means Rodrique Wright, who started nine games last season, contributing a lackluster 37 tackles and 1 1/2 a sack for the NFL’s worst run stopping defense, will be duking it out just to remain on the 53-man roster. The depth and versatility this unit provides should keep everyone fresh, and cushion the blow of injuries like the ones that decimated the unit last season. Because of that fact the defensive ends were clearly upgraded.

Nose Tackle

2007: Steve Fifita (started final game), but he primarily served as the backup to Keith Traylor, who left (or was kicked off, you pick it) the team at the end of 2007.

2008: Jason Ferguson

Analysis: Ferguson is one of the few elite nose tackles in the NFL. While he missed last season because of an injury, he’s much younger, and a bit more athletic than Traylor, who sporadically practiced last season because of his ailing knees. Fifita, who was extremely undersized to play nose tackle, has already been cut, but he landed safely with New England (boy do they like former Dolphins). While Ferguson is clearly an upgrade, and should be a fortifying beefy presence on the inside of the front line, there is a void that needs to be filled behind him. Starks, who served as a defensive tackle in Tennessee, is a possibility, maybe playing nose tackle in spot duty. But Paul Soliai, a bust in 2007, or rookies Kory Robertson and Lionel Dotson need to step up or else this team could again be soft in the middle.

Defensive End/ Jack

2007: Jason Taylor

2008:Charlie Anderson (assuming Taylor doesn’t play for the Dolphins in 2008)

Analysis: This position is a bit of a mystery because of Taylor’s uncertain status with the team. Let’s say everyone plays nice and he returns, then the Dolphins could operate in the 3-4 defense Bill Parcells prefers, and they would have a pass rushing threat to put opposite Joey Porter. If Taylor decides to sit out the 2008 season there’s a ton of uncertainty that must be addressed. The Trifecta really like Anderson’s athleticism, but he was primarily a special teams player in Houston. Can this be his breakout season? If he’s not ready to handle the role Reggie Torbor could be an adequate option, and Quentin Moses might present some promise based on his effectiveness in spurts as Taylor’s replacement last season. This is clearly a downgraded unit.

Outside Linebacker

2007: Joey Porter

2008: Joey Porter

Analysis: How much of his slow start in 2007 can be attributed to his knee problems early last season, and the fact he was playing in a 4-3 scheme that limited his effectiveness? Or is he simply getting old? This season will likely address all those questions. After 10 seasons its hard to see much upside here, especially if limited personnel options yet again forces the Dolphins to use a 4-3 scheme. There also aren’t many options behind Porter considering Kelvin Smith,Titus Brown and Keith Saunders are presently the best alternatives. So basically, staying with Porter keeps things status quo, but the limited options behind him, and his accelerating age, downgrades this spot.

Inside Linebackers

2007: Donnie Spragan, Derrick Pope

2008: Channing Crowder, Akin Ayodele

Analysis: Crowder, who led the team in tackles last season despite missing the final four games, is clearly an upgrade over fill-ins Spragan and Pope. Ayodele’s experience running the Dallas defense last season will help with the transition, but he wasn’t much of a playmaker with the Cowboys last season. Was that just an off season, or is Ayodele a player on the downside of his career? Torbor is also an option here, so there is some depth. If you factor in that Zach Thomas sparingly played last season because of his concussion issues, this unit was upgraded this offseason. But everyone in the NFL knows it’s not going to be easy to replace a player with Thomas’ intellect.

Cornerbacks

2007: Will Allen, Michael Lehan, Andre Goodman

2008: Will Allen, Andre’ Goodman, Michael Lehan

Analysis: Outside of the addition of former Cowboy Nathan Jones, the Dolphins surprisingly decided to stay status quo with the cornerbacks, and that can’t be a good thing considering how few plays they actually made in 2007. The cornerbacks collectively contributed five interceptions and broke up a total of 29 passes. That’s 29 of 409 passing attempts. Blame it on the lack of pass rushing presence if you want, and they honestly did have to cover receivers forever, but that type of suspect coverage isn’t going to cut it in 2008.

Safeties

2007: Lance Schulters, Jason Allen

2008: Yeremiah Bell, Jason Allen

Analysis: Schulters was one of many fill-ins needed because of the numerous injuries that decimated this unit last year. The Dolphins front office addressed depth at this position big time by making sure there were five safeties on the roster who could end up starters. Allen, the 2006 first-round pick, will likely be given another opportunity to sink or swim. He was the starter during OTA’s last week, and there’s optimism Allen can build on the 53 tackles and three interceptions he contributed in the 10 games he played with the base defense. Bell must quickly prove he can stay healthy, and resume his playmaking ways of 2006 or else Chris Crocker, Keith Davis or Renaldo Hill will press him for playing time. This unit was drastically upgraded because of the improved depth.

So, on paper, how much improvement has really been made to the Dolphins defense? And what units could use a player or two after the first few rounds of cuts?

What do you think will stop this unit from being in the middle of the pack in the NFL?

Comments (83 Comments)

The one thing that everyone here who posts fails to cite
is the “Team” factor.
Everyone gets hung up on individual statistics and performance.
I believe my case in point would be the shocking defeat of the Star laden Patriots by the lowly Giants
“Team”
Could that be the most important thing the Trifecta may bring to the Dolphins?

jahndoh -
This is an open forum for us to debate. The vast majority have the same goal in mind – for the phins to succeed. I’m not intending to belittle you or anyone else for their views. I guess I’m skeptical of FA signings in general, because the vast majority of them do not make significant positive improvements. For me, those improvements are made through the draft. I am very happy with the approach that the Trifecta have taken with being pragmatic when it comes to FA signings. I just am hesitant to think that just because someone is new, they are better than what we have. I am also a huge supporter of JTs actions on the field, he was the DPY a couple of years ago, and I’m sensitive to remarks about him being adequately placed by a career backup who started a couple of games at the end of the season.
Anyway – here’s to more constructive debates on this blog that Omar runs. I think its a good one.

Anyone listening to SIRIUS? That was me convincing Adam Shine and Jim Miller that Tedd Ginn actually had a decent rookie season.
In the end Miller predicted that with a much improved Oline next year, that Tedd Ginn could realistically get 50-60 catches! He also (in an earlier call) said to keep your eye on Jason Foster who he thinks could be a great weapon for us.

Jahndoh:
Sorry I missed you on the Sirius NFL the other day. I do listen in the car when I’m out making business calls but just happened to miss that segment.
It is good to hear Miller make that prediction. I know this has been a point that many of us have been trying to make about Ginn since the beginning of last season, and hopefully we are all correct!
Cheers

I think the Phins did a good job with aquiring FAs & tha draft for the most part .It’a good mix of young talent & middle of the rd vets .But the one thing I can’t understand is why at one point we had like 11 safetys & did not draft or bring in real help at corner .Nothing .
Will Allen did a good job but we need to do better .

OMAR KELLY was unsuccessful at achieving his childhood dream to become a super hero, so he figured he'd do the next best thing and become a journalist who fights against injustice, and searches for truth. After being bored to death reporting news and covering politics, he switched to sports.
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IZZY GOULD joined the Sun Sentinel in Feb. 2012 as a Senior Sports Reporter on the Miami Dolphins beat. He came to South Florida fresh off covering the University of Alabama football program, including its 2011 national championship team. More